Eric lived at Stanlea, Sunnyside in Todmorden. He died aged 21 years when his plane,
Whitley LA841, crashed into the sea 1.5 miles off Nairn in Scotland. He was with No. 19 Operational Training Unit for Bomber Command.

He was buried in a Commonwealth War Grave at Christ Church in Todmorden. He is particularly remembered on this page because in the 1990's when an extension to the school was built, his grave and headstone were covered over along with other graves, and no longer visible.

In Memory of
Sergeant ERIC MITCHELL

1234582, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died
on 28 April 1943

Remembered with honour
TODMORDEN (CHRIST CHURCH) CHURCHYARD

Thomas Edward Lord

born 1899

Private

7th Sherwood Foresters No. 98641

Leicestershire Regiment

8th Royal Army Medical Corps No. 160107

The son of William and Harriet Lord

On 19 November 1917 Thomas enlisted with the 7th Sherwood Foresters. He was 18 and worked as a warehouseman in Walsden. He was transferred to the Leicestershire Regiment a year later. He served in France where he was shell shocked and sent back to the
2nd Northern General Hospital, Leeds, where he transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Thomas was under psychiatric care at the hospital and was damaged a great deal mentally. He worked as a clerk at the hospital until his discharge in January 1920.His testimonial from the RAMC states: "Has given satisfaction and is a steady and conscientious worker". He was assessed as 30% disabled, attributable to his war service, and awarded a pension of 12 shillings a week. Thomas returned to live with his mother at Hollins Place in Walsden but never recovered from his experiences. He never married, remaining with his mother until she died. His niece remembers him as a gentle, caring man, very intelligent and artistic, whose life was shattered by the war. He died in Scaitcliffe Hall Nursing Home on 13th October 1975.

photo and details kindly sent by his niece Janet Beardwood

Young Foulds

(1891-1948)

Guardsman

Grenadier Guards

The son of Charles and Mary Hannah Foulds and husband of Susan Haigh Fielden.

Young was a wholesale baker alongside his father, with a successful business at 2, Stones Terrace in Walsden. On 4th December 1915 he enlisted with the Grenadier Guards and served throughout the rest of the war. He was discharged on 27th November 1918 suffering from a skin complaint he attributed to iodine poisoning after having the iodine applied to an open wound. The problem continued throughout the rest of his working life as the flour caused irritation and he often had to cover his hands.

photo and details kindly sent by his granddaughter Janet Beardwood

Photos and details kindly sent by George's granddaughter Karen Greenwood

George Higgins

(18 February 1899 - 17 February 1985)

The son of Michael Higgins and Elizabeth (Rowe) of Todmorden.

George served in the Worcester Regiment, signing up under age when he was 17. He was awarded the British and Victory medals. His sister Ethel remembered he was very keen to go, and once there he was very keen to get out. He fought in Ypres and his memories were of being 'slutched up' and putting lit matches under his clothes to try to kill the lice. He was taken prisoner by the Germans until the end of the war.

George is on the middle row

on the right.

George's brother Christopher Higgins also served in WW1, whilst his younger brothers Edward and Albert Higgins served in WW2. Edward was in the Medical Corps. Albert was on the Prince of Wales when it sank after being bombed by the Japanese on December 10, 1941. 327 were killed from that ship and 513 from the Repulse which was bombed at the same time in the worst British naval defeat of World War II. He never spoke of it except once to his brother George on an anniversary - "This was this day I was blown to hell." His wife did not know for months whether he had survivied or not. Finally when she got a telegram, she could not bear to read it and had to ask a neighbour to do so.There are other photos of the Higgins family in the PHOTO GALLERY.

Seen here (back row middle) with his fellow crew

of Lancaster Bomber LM311 who were

all killed shortly after the photo was taken

Memorial at the crash site

Sergeant Jack Greenwood (b.1918)

Flight Engineer

No 467 Squadron RAAF Bottesford.

Jack was the elder son of John & Alice Greenwood of Carrs Rd. Portsmouth, Todmorden. He joined the RAF in 1940 and was promoted to sergeant in January 1943, the same month he married Mildred Hartley.

He died when his plane went down a mile short of home after a raid on Turin, 13th July 1943. The plane was not damaged by enemy action. The crash was due to inferior riveting in the tail section. This section dropped off immediately the undercarriage was lowered. His charred body was discovered sitting upright on the rest bed, which was still intact. He was 25.

The memorial was erected by Jack's family and the 467 RAAF Squadron Association in 1999 in memory of the crew of the LM311. It is on the edge of the field in Bottesford where the crash occurred. The metallic bits are pieces from the plane, which still turn up in the field from time to time. Even all these years later, nothing will grow on the crash site itself. Jack's widow Mildred's war time story can be read HERE.

Jack is buried at Mankinholes Chapel

Photos and information kindly supplied by Karen Greenwood

Leslie Greenwood (b.1922)

The younger brother of Jack Greenwood (see above) and son of John & Alice Greenwood of Portsmouth, Todmorden.

Leslie was a Signaller (wireless operator), combined operations (Army/Navy/RAF) and landed on D-Day. According to another brother, Peter Greenwood, the wireless was moved around in a wheelbarrow.

Leslie emigrated to New Zealand in 1952 and died at Christ Church in 1993.

He is front centre in the photo

on the left

Photos and details kindly sent

by Karen Greenwood

Corporal Thomas Bottomley

London Regiment (Post Office Rifles)

1st/8th Battalion

Service Number 374471

He was killed during the
Third Battle of Ypres on 7th June 1917. His final resting place is unknown. He is remembered with honour on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres, which bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known.

The Ypres Menin Gate Memorial

Private
John W. Child, D.C.M.

6th.
Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

He
was awarded the D.C.M. for gallant conduct on 4th June 1915 south
of Krithia, (Dardanelles) Gallipoli, for volunteering to attack
a redoubt, and holding it with 4 other men until relieved ten hours
later. He had previously been mentioned for gallantry.

Private
Child died from his wounds on 4th August 1915, shortly after having
earned his distinction. His medal was presented to his father in
the Town Hall, Todmorden, on 30th November 1915.

Captain
James Mitchell, Royal Air Force

He
lived at Stoodley. He achieved the remarkable record of winning
3 separate distinctions, namely: the Military Cross, the Distinguished
Flying Cross and the Italian Medal for Valour.

When
on patrol work on 4 separate occasions he shot down 5 enemy planes,
3 of which were observed to burst in to flames, one being a 3-seater.
On two of these occasions his formation was attacked by superior
formations of the enemy. His magnificent work has been marked by
great dash and fearlessness.

James
Mitchell was promoted to Lieutenant and went overseas on 7th.
October 1917. He made his first flight across the Channel, and
was on the Ypres-Dixmude Front about 6 weeks, during which time
he brought down 3 Hun machines. On one occasion he and his captain
were hotly attacked. The captain fought off the machine that was
attacking Lieutenant Mitchell, and the latter fought the machine
which was attacking the captain., and they succeeded in bringing
down both machines in flames. Because of this he was promoted
to the rank of Captain. In November he was transfered to the Italian
front, serving up in the Alps, in the North of Italy and on the
River Piave. Here he brought down 3 more enemy machines, including
a Gotha, one of the big fighting planes carrying 5 machine guns,
25cwt. of bombs, 2 gunners and a pilot. Practically all his fighting
in Italy was done at an altitude of 12,000 feet.

He
was presented with his medals in Todmorden on 11th. July 1918.

Lieutenant
E.A. Hollinrake, M.C.

Loyal
North Lancs Regiment

He
was awarded the Military Cross because when all his senior officers
had become casualties he took charge of the Company, and led it
forward against heavy fire, capturing a German strong point, three
machine guns, and 25 prisoners. Subsequently he was awarded a bar
to the Military Cross, his record on this occasion being that he
handled his platoon with great skill in attack, and led them forward
under covering fire from Lewis gun and rifle grenades, and assaulted
a strong point, which he captured with 30 prisoners. His courage
and determination were a splendid example to his platoon. In August
1919 the President of France conferred on him the further distinction
of the French Croix de Guerre avec palme.

Bombardier
Herbert Barker, D.C.M., M.M.

Royal Field Artillery

He
received the Distinguished Conduct medal and the Military Medal
for conspicuous gallantry and devotion. He had on several occasions
shown great courage in repairing the lines under heavy fire, thereby
rendering most valuable service in maintaining communications at
a critical period. He was presented with his medals in Todmorden
on 11th. July 1918.

Herbert
married Alice Greenwood of Beanhole Head in 1919. In the 1940's
and 50's they lived at 2, Cornfield Street, Millwood and are fondly
remembered by Derrick Flynn, a great nephew of Alice, who kindly
submitted the photo of Herbert and Alice.

Private
Harry Allister, M.M.

Private
Harry Allister, M.M.

King's
Royal Rifles

He
was awarded the Military Medal but lost his life on 3rd October
1918, shortly after the distinction and before he could return home
to Todmorden to receive his award. He is buried in Belgium. He was
the son of Bradshaw Allister of 10 Queen Street, Todmorden.

Company
Sgt. Major Bradshaw Allister

6th.
Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

He
was awarded the D.C.M. for good leading of his platoon on 4th June
1915 south of Krithia, (Dardanelles) Gallipoli under heavy rifle
and shrapnel fire, to take a Turkish trench. He cleared one flank
himself, killing eight Turks. He survived the war and was presented
with his medal at Todmorden Town Hall on 30th November 1915.

Company
Sergeant Major

Bradshaw Allister, D.C.M.

Corporal
John H. Garside, M.M.

Royal
Army Medical Corps

6
Harehill Street, Todmorden

He
described his experiences with the Italian army in March 1917:

"We
had tremendous welcomes everywhere, particularly when we got to
Italy. Every time we stopped we found crowds on the platforms waiting
for us, and they gave us sandwiches, hot coffee, biscuits, flowers
and cigarettes; also we got big bunches of grapes and carnations.
At Milan the people went pretty well mad. We had 3 or 4 hours there,
and were split into parties of about 50 and marched through the
city. The streets were simply packed and wherever we went we were
pelted with flowers."

John later
died as a prisoner of war in the hands of the Germans. He was awarded
the Military Medal.

Captain
Will Hubbard, D.F.C. and bar

Royal
Air Force

The
Todmorden Gazette described him as " a bold and determined
fighter in the air and against troops on the ground. On 26th. August
1918 he engaged 3 enemy 2-seaters and shot one down out of control.
Owing to his pressure pump being shot away in the combat he reached
our lines with great difficulty, landing 150 yards west of our front
line. Undisturbed by the fact that the machine was under direct
observation and subject to heavy fire, he removed all his instruments
and pegged the machine down before leaving. In all, up to this time,
he has accounted for 5 enemy machines." Later, he was awarded
the bar to the D.F.C. and the Croix de Guerre "for numerous
successes against the Hun machines, and also for good squadron work."

Will
was the son of William and Emily of the Rope & Anchor Inn on
Halifax Road. His life was full of drama from birth to death, and
his story can be read in full HERE.

Sergeant
Arthur Taylor

Lancashire
Fusiliers

Sergeant
Taylor was killed in action in France 13th June
1917, aged 20 years. He
was born, one of twins, in
1896, the son of Joshua and Mary Taylor. Mary did not survive the
birth. Arthur's twin sister was Lily, and his older brothers and
sisters were Robert, Betsy Hannah, Matilda, Robert and Annie. Annie
lived to celebrate her 100th birthday some 75 years after Arthur
died.

When
the news of Arthur's death arrived the family was devastated. My
mother, who was five years old at the time, could remember the day
clearly. His older brother Robert locked himself in an outbuilding
on his farm at Clinton and wouldn't come out for two days. His mother's
unmarried sister, Fanny, who had helped to bring him up, was never
the same again and it was said she died of a broken heart.

Sergeant
Taylor has no known grave. He is remembered at Loos Memorial, Pas
de Calais, France, which commemorates over 20,000 men who have no
known grave. 172 of these memorials are for men from the Lancashire
Fusiliers.

He
is also remembered with pride in the Cloughfoot Chapel burial ground

Peace
perfect Peace

Mary
wife of Joshua Taylor of Cloughfoot who died
22nd September 1896
aged 38 years.

Elizabeth
Ann wife of the above who died 10th August 1913 aged 60 years

Also
Sergeant Arthur Taylor Lancashire Fusiliers the beloved son of Joshua
and Mary Taylor who was killed in France 13th June 1917 in his 21st
year.

Also
Joshua Taylor who died 9th February 1919 aged 63 years

Photos,
ribbon, and story supplied by

Rosemary Stevenson

Private
Herbert Coupe

1st./6th.
Battalion

Lancashire
Fusiliers

Service
number 241185

Herbert
was the 21 year old son of Willie and Betsey Alice Coupe of Todmorden.
He died of wounds sustained in France and is buried in a vault in
the Unitarian Church graveyard.

In
loving memory of Private Herbert Coupe of the 1/6 Battalion Lancashire
Fusiliers who died of wounds received in France February 18th 1918
aged 21 years the beloved son of Willie and Betsey Alice Coupe of
John St.

Also
of the above named Betsey Alice Coupe died August 7th 1935 aged
65 years

Also
Willie Coupe died Jan 29th 1941 aged 74 years

Private
Henry Boyd

6th Lancashire Fusiliers

Private
Boyd was the youngest of 3 brothers serving his country in the Great
War. He was wounded at Gallipoli at the age of 18, spending 3 months
in hospital in Cairo. He survived the war, and died of TB in 1924.
The brothers were the sons of George and Eliza Boyd.

Henry Boyd was the grandfather of Jack Davies of
Walsden, who has provided the information

about Henry and his two brothers, who were not so lucky.

PATRIOTIC
FAMILY

Halifax
Courier 1915

The family of Mrs. Boyd
a widow, of 123 Longfield Road, Todmorden, possesses a fine
record of patriotic service. Mrs Boyd has just received news
that her son, Corpl. George Boyd, of the 1st Rifle Brigade,
has been accidentally killed during rifle inspection in Flanders,
and that another son, Pte. Henry Boyd, aged 18, has been wounded
whilst serving with the 6th Lancashire Fusiliers at the Dardanelles.
A third son, Rifleman Frederick Boyd, of the 3rd Rifle Brigade,
has been missing since Sept 25. Mrs Boyd has only one son
at home now, and he is too young to join. A fourth son, Jesse
Boyd, died from a malady contracted during the South African
War, and her late husband served for many years in the Royal
Navy.

Corporal
George Boyd

1st.
Battalion Rifle Brigade

Corporal
Boyd was killed accidentally on Thursday, 10th June 1915, aged 28.
He is buried in Duhallow Advanced Dressing Station Cemetery in Belgium.
It was during a rifle inspection that one of the platoon accidentally
set off his rifle, killing Corporal Boyd.

Dunhallow
Cemetery

Rifleman
Frederick Boyd

3rd
Battalion Rifle Brigade

Frederick
originally enlisted in the Worcestershire Regiment before the outbreak
of war. Rifleman Boyd was reported missing from 23rd September 1914
and subsequently presumed dead. He has no known grave and is remembered
with honour on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial at Seine-et-Marne,
France.

La
Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial

TODMORDEN
FAMILY'S SACRIFICE

Hebden
Bridge Times 1916

The family of Mrs Boyd,
123, Longfield-rd Todmorden, have rendered remarkable service
to their King and country, and the third of her gallant sons
has now sacrificed his life - Rifleman Fred Boyd, of the 3rd
Rifle Brigade. Rifleman Boyd had been missing since the battle
of the Aisne, and the Army Council have now concluded that
he is dead. Mrs. Boyd's late husband was for a long period
in the Royal Navy; her eldest son (Jesse) died from the effects
of a malady contracted in the Boer War; Corporal George Boyd,
of the 1st Rifle Brigade, lost his life with our forces in
France; and Private Henry Boyd (18) was in hospital at Cairo
three months for injuries received with the First 6th Lancashire
Fusiliers in the Dardanelles.

Private
Wilfred Isaac Johnson

4th
Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Private
Johnson was killed in action at Anzac Ridge, Ypres, on 19th November
1917 aged 31 years. He left a widow, Emily. He has no known grave
and is remembered with honour at the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium,
which bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves
are not known.

Details
supplied by his great grand nephew, Jack Davies of Walsden.

Todmorden
Advertiser 1917

Private
W. I. Johnson

We
regret to record that official news was received yesterday
morning that Private W. I. Johnson (Duke of Wellington's)
had been killed in action. Private Johnson who resided at
9 Crossley St., Longfield Rd. was 30 years of age and leaves
a young widow, for whom much sympathy is felt. He was formerly
employed at the slipper works of Barker Clegg Ltd., and
joined up about fifteen months ago, crossing to France last
Christmas. He was connected with Roomfield Baptist Church
and School.

Lieut.
Hirst writes to Mrs Johnson, "I regret to inform you
that your husband was killed on November 19th by shellfire.
I am sure his loss will be a great blow to you. We shall miss
him very much, as he was of a most cheerful disposition and
was the life of his platoon. You will no doubt be a little
satisfied in your mind to know that everything possible was
done for him at the time, and he was buried by his comrades,
and his grave is now marked by a neat white wooden cross.
I trust God will give you strength to bear your sorrow, and
hope that you will accept the deepest sympathy of the officers
and men in the company."

Private
John Thomas Greenwood

2nd/4th
Battalion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

born
in Walsden and died aged 33 on 3rd
May 1917 in France.

Son
of Amos and Mary Greenwood, of Lanebottom Farm, Blackshawhead,

Hebden
Bridge, Yorks.

Remembered
with honour at Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Corporal
David D. Watt

1st.
Scots Guards

David
Watt was a porter at Todmorden railway station when he joined up
on August 4th 1914. He was wounded at Mons that same month and was
back in Todmorden in the first week of September 1914. He returned
to his unit and was back in Todmorden wounded for a second time
in December 1914. He was wounded a third time at Christmas 1916
and was later gassed in August 1918. He never entirely recovered
from the effects of this. He was demobilised in the December of
1918 and arrived home in January 1919. He had only been back in
his job two weeks when he developed influenza and pneumonia, from
which he died. His name is included on the Todmorden war memorial
of those killed in action.

Private
Colonel James Haigh

4th
Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment

Private
Haigh died of wounds sustained in action in France on 29th March
1918 and is buried at Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery Extension. He
was the 23 year old son of James and Mary Haigh of 115, Knowlwood
Road, Walsden. He is remembered with pride at Cloughfoot Chapel
burial ground.

In
Loving Memory of Pte. Colonel James Haigh son of James and Mary
Haigh

He
had been twice previously commended for gallantry and was awarded
his medal for conspicuous gallantry on 6th. May 1915 on the Gallipoli
Peninsula, when he led a half platoon during the attack with great
ability and courage. On several occasions he carried messages under
heavy fire.

Private
Richard Allen, D.C.M.

6th
Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

He
received his medal for gallantry while on sentry duty at an advanced
post south of Krithia on June 4 th 1915, noticing movements in the
scrub, and boldly going into it on his own initiative under heavy
fire. He found a Turkish machine gun with an officer. He took the
revolver from the officer and brought in the machine gun. He
was presented with his medal at Todmorden Town Hall on 30th November
1915.

Major
the Rev. G.F. Walters, M.C.

Royal
Army Medical Corps

He
was the minister of Inchfield Bottom Methodist Chapel and obtained
leave of absence from his church early in September 1914. He was
awarded the Military Cross for services rendered in France. During
one of the big engagements on the Western Front, Major Walters was
engaged for 4 days and 4 nights dressing wounds at one of the stations.
He received the M.C. from His Majesty the King at Buckingham Palace.

Gunner
Sidney Midgley, M.M.

Royal
Field Artillery

He
received his Military medal for conspicuous bravery in extinguishing
an ammunition dump which had been set alight by the enemy shell
fire whilst the battery position was being heavily shelled. He was
severley wounded whilst performing this brave deed.

Private
F. Hewson, D.C.M.

Lancashire
Fusiliers

He
received his Distinguished Conduct Medal for setting a fine example
to all ranks of initiative, leadership, and fighting spirit during
an attack east of Serre on 21st. March 1918.

Stoker
Walter S. Kingsbury

Royal
Navy

Walter
lived at Monas Terrace, Walsden. He went down with his ship, The
Cassandra, after she struck a mine in the Baltic on 4th. December
1918, shortly after the signing of the Armistice. The Cassandra
was a light cruiser attached to the Grand Fleet operating from the
naval base at Rosyth.

Private
Rowland Mitchell M.M.

Lancashire
Fusiliers

(Lewis
Gunner)

Rowland
was born in Todmorden in 1897, the son of Fred Miltchell and Amelia
Rowland of Back Brook Street, Langfield. He won the Military Medal
for "exceptional gallantry in keeping going a Lewis gun when
all the other five who went out with him had been knocked out. Two
were killed, two wounded, and one taken prisoner. He was left alone
and kept the gun in action. He was in Egypt in 1916 and France in
1917. He was presented with his medal in Todmorden on 11th. July
1918.

Private
John Thomas Stephenson

7th
Battalion East Lancs Regiment

John
Thomas was the son of James and Mary Ellen Stephenson of Todmorden.
He was killed on the Somme aged 23 years in November 1916 and is
buried at the Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt. he is also remembered
on his family gravestone at the Unitarian Church in Todmorden.

Regina
Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt

In
Memory of
Private JOHN THOMAS STEPHENSON

22888, 7th Bn., East Lancashire Regiment
who died age 23
on 14 November 1916
Son of James and Mary Ellen Stephenson, of 12, Goshen Terrace, Todmorden.
Remembered with honour

Private
Arthur Jackson

9th.
Battalion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Arthur
was born in 1896, the son of Robert and Fanny Jackson of Walsden.
He was killed in action on 25th April 1917 aged 21 years, and is
remembered at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. He was
living with his widowed father at 5, Dampier Street, Walsden, when
he joined up. He is also remembered on the inscription on his parents'
gravestone at Lumbutts Chapel burial ground.

In
loving memory of Mabel, daughter of Robert and Fanny Jackson of

Chapel
St Walsden, who died Sept 25th 1889 aged 17years.
Also of Fanny, wife of Robert Jackson who died Sept 30th 1902 aged
47 years
Also of Private Arthur Jackson, son of the above.
Killed in France on active service

April
25th 1917 aged 21 years .
Also of the above Robert Jackson---------
Mabel Jackson of 34 Square Rd. Walsden died Sept. 14th 1933 aged
19years .
Also Constance Jackson, died April 27th 1924 aged 3 years .

Corporal
Hubert Palfreyman

6th.
Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

Corporal
Palfreyman died at the age of 21 during the Battle of Ypres. His
body was never found. He is remembered at the Tyne Cot Memorial
in Belgium, which bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and
men whose graves are not known, and is one of 4 memorials to the
missing in Flanders. Hubert is also remembered on his family gravestone
at St. Paul's Cross Stone.

In
Loving memory of Corporal Hubert Palfreyman son of George and Mary
Palfreyman of Summerfield Road.

Killed
in action at Ypres September 6th 1917 aged 21 years.

Also
George Palfreyman died

August
5th 1941.

Also
Mary Palfreyman died

July
1st 1944.

Also
Ethel Mary Palfreyman

died
Jan 9th 1961.

The
memory of the just is forever blessed.

Sergeant
John Howorth, D.C.M., M.M.

Northumberland
Fusiliers

He
was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal

Captain
Walter Fielden, M.C.

Duke
of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

He
was awarded the

Military
Cross and
Bar

Sergeant
Tom Ashworth, D.C.M., M.M.

King's
Liverpool Regiment

He
was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal

Sergeant
Harry Lawer, M.M.

1st.
Battalion Coldstream Guards

He
was awarded the Military Medal and Bar. He was killed in action
on 22nd September 1918 and is buried at the Sanders Keep Military
Cemetery, Graincourt-Les-Havrincourt, France

Sergeant
T. E. Barker, M.M.

Second
Royal Fusiliers

He
was awarded the Military Medal

and Bar

Lance
Corp. Alfred Crabtree M.M.

Royal
Berkshire Regiment

He
was awarded the Military Medal. He
was killed in action in France on 24th August 1918 aged 23 years.
He was the son of Walter and Lucy Ann Crabtree, of 8, Oak Mount,
Willow Bank, Todmorden. He is buried at Mory Abbey Military Cemetery
in France.

Lieut-Col.
Austin Thorp C.M.G. D.S.O.

Royal
Garrison Artillery

Lieut-Col.
Thorp was awarded the C.M.G., the D.S.O. and the Ordre de Leopold
avec palme, and Croix de Guerre. He met his death in France on 30th.
October 1918, a few days before the signing of the Armistice. A
silver salver was presented to Dr. H. Thorp who represented the
widow on 28th January 1920. He was the son of Charles William and
Edith Thorp of Todmorden and husband of Edith May Thorp, of Elm
Cottage, Camberley, Surrey.

Lieutenant
Fred W. Crabtree

7th.
Battalion Yorkshire Regiment

Killed
in action aged 20 years. He was a native of Todmorden and the son
of Edward and Lillie Crabtree of Lytham, Lancashire. He is buried
in Belgium and is also remembered on the family grave at St. Paul's
Cross Stone:

Lt.
F.W. Crabtree, Yorkshire Regt.

Killed
in Action 14th August 1915

Aged
20 years.

Captain
Frank Marshall

24th.
Battalion Manchester Regiment

He
was killed in action on 17th. March 1916 and is buried in France.
He was the son of the late William and Ann Marshall of Todmorden

Private
Joseph Ackroyd

Northumberland
Fusiliers

24th
Tyneside Irish Battalion

Joseph
was killed at Fampoux, Pas de Calais, on 24th April 1917 and was
buried at Fampoux British Cemetery. He was the 33 year old son of
William and Mary Hannah Ackroyd of Castle Street, Todmorden. Joseph
is remembered on the family gravestone at St. Paul's Cross Stone

Private
William Greenwood

15th
Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers

Private
Greenwood died on 30th January 1918 of wounds received in action
in France. He is buried in the Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery
Extension and is remembered on the family gravestone at St. Paul's
Cross Stone:

Will
Greenwood, the dearly beloved son of Thomas and Emily Greenwood.

15th
Royal Scots attached to the M.C.C. who died of wounds in France
January 30th 1918 aged 25 years.

A
noble life. A noble death.

2nd.
Lieutenant Louis John Clay

Lancashire
Fusiliers

He
was killed in action on 5th. April 1918 in France. He was the son
of William and Fanny Clay of 20, Beaumont Street, Todmorden, and
husband of Lucy.

Company
Sergeant Major John Mason G.C.M.

1st.
Lancashire Fusiliers

John
also served in the South African War. He was awarded a Long Service
and Good Conduct Medal. He was the son of the late William and Ann
Mason of Manchester and husband of Bertha Mason of 767, Burnley
Road, Cornholme. He was 47 years old.

In
August 1915, under very severe fire, the 1st Lancashire Fusiliers
landed on 'W' Beach at the southern end of the Gallipoli Peninsula,
Turkey, and cut their way through wire entanglements and trenches
to the edge of the cliff. They established themselves in the surrounding
hills. The beach became known as Lancashire Landing. On 7th August
1915, John and 14 other officers went over the parapet. 8 were
killed, 6 were wounded and only one returned unhurt. John was
one of the unlucky ones. He is buried at the Lancashire Landings
Cemetery.

Private
Sam Barker

2nd.
South Staffordshire Regiment

Sam
was killed on 30th November 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai, aged
33 years. He was the son of the late
John and Mary Ann Barker and the husband of Sarah Helen Barker,
of 7, Chapel St., Halifax Rd., Todmorden. Private Barker has no
known grave. However, his wife remembered him with love and there
is an inscription on the family gravestone at Heptonstall Church.

In
affectionate remembrance of

James
Crabtree of Castle Street Todmorden who died July 22nd 1870 aged
29 years

Also
of Elizabeth relict of the above who died may 16th 1914 aged 76
years

"At
Rest"

To
my loved one far away

Private
Sam Barker

2nd.
South Staffs Regt.

Son-in-Law
of the above born June 26th 1883

Killed
in action November 30th 1917

He
nobly did his duty

Also
of Sarah Ellen Barker wife of the above who died February 17th 1942
aged 74 years.

Sam
is also remembered with honour at the Cambrai Memorial, Louvervel.
The Cambrai Memorial commemorates more than 7,000 servicemen of
the United Kingdom and South Africa who died in the Battle of Cambrai
in November and December 1917 and whose graves are not known.

Private James Arthur Pearson 7th Bn., East
Yorkshire Regiment

James
was the son of Mary & Rawson Pearson of 8, Bar Street, Todmorden,
and husband of Florence Pearson, of 5, Nutfield St. Todmorden. He
is remembered with honour at the Arras Memorial in France and also
on his parents' gravestone at the Unitarian Church in Todmorden.

Private
James Arthur PEARSON

East
Yorkshire Regiment

Killed
in France

14th
May 1917 aged 35 years

May
His Reward

Be
as Great as His Sacrifice

Centre Vale Military Hospital, Todmorden

This building, erected in 1826, had been the home of John Fielden MP and his descendents since 1842 and was set within parkland. John Ashton Fielden inherited it and in 1910 he sold it to the Town of Todmorden. The grounds became the municipal park and remain so today.

The house was commissioned for use as a military hospital on the outbreak of war and on 17th November 1914 the first batch of injured servicemen arrived. Many were severely injured and in a great deal of pain. Patients were drawn from many regiments and from different parts of the world, including 12 Australians, 3 Canadians, 1 New Zealander and 1 Russian.

John A. Lee wrote:

"The hospital was permanently closed on 28th February 1919, and its record is one of which Todmorden will always have reason to be proud, both on account of the service it rendered, and the vast amount of voluntary work which it called forth."

In 2007, we had a communication from the Botley and Curdridge Local History Society, Hampshire, telling us about one of their holdings. This is a small autograph book with an address in the front cover of Miss Lottie Eastwood, 50 Sackville Street, Roomfield Lane, Todmorden and dated 27.1.1915. It appears that Lottie was working in some capacity with the injured soldiers being cared for at the Centre Vale Military Hospital in Todmorden and elsewhere.

The Society kindly gave us the autograph book, extracts of which are below.

click the thumbnail for a larger image

Private R. Emmett

1st Rifle Brigade

Invalided home

5 January 1915

Private H. Jones

2nd. Kings Shrophire Light Infantry

Frost bitten in the trenches near Ypres January 1915

Corporal J. A. Read

4th Battalion Rifle Brigade

Frost bitten in trenches near Ypres

Private G. Dowse

1st Coldstream Guards

Victoria Barracks

Windsor

Private H. Milne

2nd. Royal Scots

Private Arthur Dawson

Royal Army Medical Corps.

Corporal A. Eyears

3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade

Private E. Marshall

1st S. Staffs Regiment

No. 8182

Wounded at Ypres

7 November 1914

by shrapnel

E. Johnson

Can you read the lion's mane?

A poem to Kaiser Bill by R.W.

Private A. Burrell

No. 9002 B. Company

Kings Shropshire Light Infantry

Private W. Foster

Wounded at Ypres 8th November

"My chums were in a storm of hail and iron hail at that, and every man had to lie upon his stomach flat, for if he moved hand or head or made the slightest sign he would sure to lose his number in that thin khaki."

After the First War, the Rose Garden at Centre Vale Park was chosen as the ideal place to convert to a Garden of Remembrance. Work began in 1921. Mr. Gilbert Bayes was engaged to design the sculptures, Mr. J. M. Firth of Todmorden was the contractor for the stone masons and Messrs. John Daymond & Sons for the tablets and engraving. Mr. Fred Law, the head gardener, was responsible for the nurseryman's work. The general scheme was designed by Norman Thorpe, architect, and the work was carried out under his supervision.

The names of all those who died in the two World Wars are engraved on stone tablets arranged in bays along a portland stone wall. In the centre is a fountain statue about 12 feet high, also of portland stone, set in a basin of water. The figure is of St. George, leaning on his sword, standing on the dragon which spouts water into the basin. To the front and sides of the memorial are formal gardens, beautifully laid out, and very colourful. The whole garden is contained within a high hedge and is secluded and peaceful.

A fascinating memorial is located next to the stone tablets. It was errected to remember the men employed by Todmorden Co-operative Society who fought in the First War.

1914 TODMORDEN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY 1918

A MEMORIAL TO THOSE WHO FOUGHT IN THE GREAT EMANCIPATION

GROCERY

BAKERY

Thomas Alderson

Robert Coupe

Charles H. Barker

Major Fielden

Wilfred Barker

Albert Gledhill

Pearson Bairstow

Charles Hollis

Albert A. Crabtree

John Lord

Arthur Dawson

George Nuttall

Ernest Fielden

THESE GAVE ALL

Walter Trenholme

Willie Graham

Horace Whitaker

Albert Halstead

Harry Allistair

Crossley Horsfall

George Bloomer

TAILORING

Walter Hartley

William Crabtree

Fielden Hollows

Thomas W. Horsfall

Albert Farrar

Arthur Robinson

Percy S. Ineson

Thomas H. Greenwood

William E. Law

Leslie N. Lord

BUTCHERING

Fred Mitchell

Wilbert Mitchell

Harold Cunliffe

Harry Mitton

Wilfred Tidswell

James Horsfall

Albert Pilling

Wilfred S. Wolverson

Leonard Hoosan

Samuel Sutcliffe

Samuel S. Whitham

Walter Jackson

Frank Sutcliffe

Abram Mills

Frank Tidswell

John A. Wild

DRAPERY

Charles T. Wilkinson

Walter Eastwood

Harold Helliwell

FURNISHING

John L. Wigley

Frank H. Davis

Edmond Holt

PAINTING

Philip S. Sutcliffe

Whitaker Mitchell

Harry Wadsworth

CLOGGING

COAL

Clifford Wilkinson

Albert Coupe

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICE STAFF

John Henry Whitaker

Walter Farrell

Thomas Ormerod

Arnold Kershaw

Korean War 1950 - 1953

Royal Leicester Regiment

Jack Clayton

Duke of Wellington's Regiment

Peter Mason

Names
of all the men of Todmorden who fell in the Great War

The names are inscribed on tablets arranged in six bays round a
water fountain and the garden, which is beautifully planted. The
names are arranged alphabetically, without distinction as to rank,
under their respective regiments. There are 659 names representing
72 regiments.

These
are they who being peaceable citizens of Todmorden at the call of
King and Country and in defence of their native land left all that
was dear to them, endured hardship, faced danger and finally passed
out of the sight of man by the path of duty and self-sacrifice,
giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom.